call in sick

Idioms  

1. Telephone one's employer or school that one is ill and cannot come to work or attend. For example, Ben called in sick and told his boss he would miss the meeting. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

Even so, the hours-long security lines at airports are also becoming untenable as Transportation Security Administration agents call in sick or quit because they aren’t getting paid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Cera also uses a separate AI tool to arrange cover when carers call in sick.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Proteus doesn’t call in sick, doesn’t file workers’ comp and doesn’t require bathroom breaks.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

Faced with a job she doesn’t know how to do, for instance, Lauren quickly learns she can call in sick a lot because she knows she’ll be bailing on her husband/acquiring a new life soon.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2024

“In fact, I think I might call in sick myself and give you a hand.”

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine